Hall, Ellinger, Chastain, Countess Combine to Break Down the Cup on ussoccer.com's World Cup Plus

NewsMay 23, 2002

CHICAGO (Thursday, May 23, 2002) - One of the marquee attractions of ussoccer.com’s “World Cup Plus,” “Breaking Down the Cup” will launch this week at ussoccer.com. In “Breaking Down the Cup,” a number of U.S. Soccer experts will offer their expertise in dissecting the games, events and storylines at the 2002 World Cup, including U.S. Soccer referee Brian Hall, U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team head coach John Ellinger, U.S. Women’s National Team star Brandi Chastain and young U.S. goalkeeper D.J. Countess.

"World Cup Plus" is every fan's news source for the USA and the rest of the World Cup this summer. With several updates a day ranging from notes and quotes to unique features, "World Cup Plus" will be the freshest place for media and fans to stay in tune with everything happening in Korea. In “Breaking Down the Cup,” Brian Hall will write about his experiences as a World Cup referee based in Japan. In addition U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team head coach John Ellinger will offer his expertise. Ellinger, the winningest coach in Men’s National Team history, coaches the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team and was an assistant coach on the 2000 Olympic Team.

Although being a superstar with the U.S. Women's National Team and in the WUSA takes up most of her time, no player in the women's program spends more time and knows more about the world game than Brandi Chastain, who will chime in with her thoughts and opinions about the Cup. D.J. Countess, now a goalkeeper with the Dallas Burn, has been a starter at the youth national team level for more than four years, playing in the 1999 FIFA Under-17 World Championship and the 2001 World Youth Championship. When the World Cup kicks off, don't miss Hall, Ellinger, Chastain and Countess as they will be "Breaking Down the Cup" on ussoccer.com.

"World Cup Plus" will also include “Ethan Zohn’s Zone,” presented by Philips Electronics, an online World Cup journal hosted by "Survivor: Africa" winner and former pro soccer player Ethan Zohn. With an understanding of what survival of the fittest means, Ethan will provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look inside the U.S. Men’s National Team and the athletes taking part in the 2002 World Cup. Fans will be able to access Ethan’s daily entries designed to satisfy the curiosity of every fan, the online journal will offer exclusive video footage of both on- and off-the-field moments.

Featuring exclusive on-line chats, player Q&As, and quote sheets from Korea, as well as up-to-date training camp notes and game recaps, "World Cup Plus" will have it all. The site will also feature daily historical notes on the history of U.S. Soccer in the World Cup and how the team advanced to Korea. With features on players and coaches, as well as on past U.S. World Cup exploits, every visit to "World Cup Plus" promises something new.